How to Keep Num Lock on Permanently in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to keep num lock on permanently windows 10

Ever find yourself annoyed because the Num Lock key keeps turning off on your Windows 10 computer? Don’t worry; you can set it up to stay on permanently! By tweaking a few settings in the Windows Registry and BIOS, you can ensure that your Num Lock key remains active every time you boot up your computer.

How to Keep Num Lock on Permanently Windows 10

This guide will walk you through a couple of steps to ensure your Num Lock key stays on permanently in Windows 10. We’ll be diving into your computer’s BIOS settings and making some changes to the Windows Registry.

Step 1: Access BIOS Settings

Start by turning off your computer and then powering it back on to access the BIOS settings.

To get to the BIOS, you often need to press a key like F2, F10, or Delete immediately after turning on your computer. The exact key will vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer, so keep an eye on the initial boot screen for instructions.

Step 2: Enable Num Lock in BIOS

Navigate through the BIOS menu to find the setting for Num Lock and enable it.

Once you’re in the BIOS menu, look for a setting labeled "Num Lock" or something similar. It might be under a section like "Boot" or "Security." Enable this setting to ensure the Num Lock key activates when you start your computer.

Step 3: Save and Exit BIOS

Save your changes and exit the BIOS settings.

After enabling Num Lock, make sure to save your changes. There should be an option to "Save and Exit" or something similar. Your computer will restart, and the new settings should take effect.

Step 4: Open Windows Registry Editor

Press Win + R, type ‘regedit,’ and hit Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.

This tool is where you’ll make changes to ensure the Num Lock key remains on. Be cautious while using the Registry Editor, as making incorrect changes can affect your system.

Step 5: Navigate to InitialKeyboardIndicators

Go to HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelKeyboard in the Registry Editor and find the "InitialKeyboardIndicators" setting.

This setting controls the state of the Num Lock key when Windows starts. Double-click it to modify its value.

Step 6: Set the Value to 2

Change the value data to "2" to keep Num Lock on permanently.

Setting this value to "2" ensures that the Num Lock key stays on every time you boot up your computer. Click "OK" to save the changes and exit the Registry Editor.

After completing these steps, your Num Lock key should stay on permanently every time you start your computer.

Tips for Keeping Num Lock on Permanently Windows 10

  • Ensure your BIOS firmware is up to date to avoid any compatibility issues.
  • Be careful while navigating the BIOS and Registry Editor; making incorrect changes can affect your computer.
  • If you make a mistake in the Registry Editor, you can often restore the previous settings by creating a backup beforehand.
  • Some keyboards might have a hardware issue that prevents Num Lock from staying on. Consider testing with another keyboard.
  • If you’re using a laptop, check if there’s a separate setting for Num Lock in the keyboard settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t find the Num Lock setting in my BIOS?

Different manufacturers have different BIOS interfaces, and not all of them include a Num Lock setting. Refer to your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.

Can I undo these changes?

Yes, you can revert the BIOS settings and change the Registry Editor value back to its original state.

Will this work on all versions of Windows?

This guide specifically covers Windows 10, but similar steps may work for other versions. Always check for version-specific instructions.

Is it safe to modify the Registry Editor?

It’s safe as long as you follow instructions carefully. Making incorrect changes can affect your system, so always back up the registry before making modifications.

Why does Num Lock turn off by itself?

Your computer’s default settings might be set to turn off Num Lock upon boot. Changing these settings ensures it stays on.

Summary

  1. Access BIOS Settings.
  2. Enable Num Lock in BIOS.
  3. Save and Exit BIOS.
  4. Open Windows Registry Editor.
  5. Navigate to InitialKeyboardIndicators.
  6. Set the Value to 2.

Conclusion

Keeping your Num Lock key on permanently in Windows 10 is a straightforward task once you know the steps. By tweaking settings in your BIOS and Windows Registry, you can ensure that this handy feature stays on, saving you the nuisance of turning it back on every time you boot your computer.

For those looking to make further tweaks to their Windows 10 settings, consider diving deeper into the BIOS and Registry Editor with caution. There are plenty of guides and forums that can offer additional tips and tricks to enhance your computing experience.

Don’t let small inconveniences slow you down. Take control of your settings, and make your computer work the way you want it to. If you’re curious about other settings or have further questions, feel free to explore more resources or ask experts in the tech community. Knowing how to keep Num Lock on permanently in Windows 10 is just the beginning of optimizing your computer to fit your needs!